The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1887-09-09


chiefly due to Niya's intercession. Then
it occurred to him that the girls present
position might be owing to quarrel with
her relative on this very subject, and the
idea made him remorseful. Finally he
was informed that, despite her engage
ment to him, O-Suha had during his alb
sence found another lover, a European
trader at one Of the ports, with hair and
beard golden as the tresses of the sun
goddess, and that there were rumors OF
their approaching marriage.
His thoughts turned TO poor Niya, neg
lected by her relatives insulted by him,
and left to battle alone with world that
is SO cruel to the weak
kampei long lay awake that night, and
the result of his meditations was made
known to his parents when he sprang
from his mat soon after daybreak. The
old couple approved of his proposals, and
went TO the veranda to say farewell, and
to watch him fondly as he walked with n
light step towards the highway, tying I'M
der his chin rs he went his conical broad
brimmed straw hat. Before he had gone
Tar his father called him back. ''Take
my purse, son." he said; "chaya keepers
arc very hard to deal with unless they see
the money bag in Your hand. You will
find in this the gold pieces You brought
home yesterday"
The sun was still high I'm the heavens
| when Kampei stopped at the "Chaya of
| the Verdant Cherry Blossom and, after
exchanging salutations with the proprie-
| tor, begged to see the girl Niya. She was
brought into his presence, looking pale
and alarmed, and casting timid glances at
the Young man from under her long
lashes. Her hands played nervously with
her robe and she looked about anXiously
for place as far as possible from Kampei.
"Niya." he said, II am not angry with
you, but l want to know why you left
homc.''
"A faint cry was her only reply.
Had any connection with i'll, Kam-
pei9''
The girl wrung her hands and turned
her face away, looking distressed, with
out, however, uttering word.
"Would you like to como home again,
little Niya?" he went on in an encouraging
voice.
yah, yah!you are too fast, young STRIP
broke in the master, who was sitting on
the veranda smoking, and listening to
Kampei. "You are too fast. She is mine
for two years. l have the agreement
signed by herself, with her receipt for the
money"
"Moneyr' cried Kampei. "Shc has
sold herself, then. But" he continued
more calmly, II am willing to pay you
back again. See," and saying this he
drew out his purse, showing to the mas
ter of the house q number of gold coins
"How much was it, pray you, good sir?'
eighty riyos," the host replied.
eighty riyos," echoed Kampei, q light
dawning upon him.
why" the host went one angrily,
"that is the very purse in which I gave
the girl the money, and yet you pretend
not to know that she is bound to me!
What is the meaning of this deceitY'
Kampei recoiled. All was now plain to
him. To save his parents from ruin, his
father probably from death, this poor girl,
tenderly reared, sold herself into virtual
slavery, where eXhausting labor, i'll treat
ment, even stripes, would be her lot! And
he had almost allowed her to drown her.
self when driven mad by his taunts! Poor
Niya! And she did this for-was it for
his parents or for him? The question
made him thoughtful
Meanwhile Niya, her forehead pressed
against the partition, sobbed The mo-
ment she longed for had arrived. Kampei
now knew why she was there, knew that
it was for his sake she left her dear vii
lage. Yet she was frightened What
business had she to interfere in the affairs
of grown peopleP What did she know of
the great world that she should face it so
lightly? Above everything there was
Kampei only few feet from her, looking
at her most intensely-she knew it with
out turning around; she felt his gaze
pierce her-there was Kampei and what
should she dor
Kampei rose, moved to Niya's side and
whispered: "Was it for my sake you did
this, Niyai''
"Why should do it for your" she re-
Piled evasively.
"Niya," he said, looking sharply at her,
81 nm no longer affianced to O-Suba; she
loves fair haired foreigner, and is about
to marry him."
her eyes sparkling through tears like the |
sun through mist, and in the happy smile |
that lit up her face Kampei read her |
secret.
'Then you love me!'' he cried, and |
Niyas smile and blush said eyes"
"You did not consult the girls rela- |
tives," said the young man, turning to |
the host. WY
"She told me she had none" stam-
meIed the other, alarmed for the legality |
Of his agreement.
destroy the indenture, and receive back |
your money, good sir, / beg" said
Kampei.
The tea house keeper agreed, and, while |
the two men drank cup together he |
confided to Kampei that he was not sorry
to cancel the bargain, as the girl did not |
suit. "Shc moped too much" he said;
"she had some hidden grief-the cause of |
which," he added, with smile, 81 can
now divine"
O-Suba and her husband left Morioka,
and went to live in one of the open ports;
and Kampei and Niya after their marriage
occupied the cottage formerly tenanted by
the sisters. They now have three chill
dren, whom their relatives combine to
ruin by indulgence; and the eldest, u
sturdy boy, already speaks Of the time
when he will wear his fathers sword, and
take his place in fighting against the
enemies of the mikado.-Cassell's SAM